Weekly Current Affairs 8th to 14th July 2026 (Part 1): Acquisition, Science & Technology and Defence News
Weekly Current Affairs 8th to 14th July 2026 Part 1 brings together the most important updates from banking, business, science, technology, space, agriculture and defence. These current affairs are useful for candidates preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, State PSC and other competitive examinations.
Every topic below has been explained in a simple and easy-to-understand language so that students can revise quickly before exams.
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Highlights of the Week
- SBI completed major stake acquisition and stake sale transactions.
- ISRO achieved multiple milestones related to Gaganyaan and LVM3 missions.
- IBM introduced the world’s first 0.7 nanometre semiconductor technology.
- India approved a major electronics manufacturing joint venture.
- DRDO successfully tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket.
- Indian Navy prepared to commission INS Mahendragiri.
Acquisition and Mergers
SBI Acquires NHB’s Stake in RDCL
State Bank of India (SBI) acquired the National Housing Bank’s 10% shareholding in RMBS Development Company Limited (RDCL). The acquisition is expected to strengthen SBI’s position in the housing finance ecosystem and support the development of India’s mortgage-backed securities market.
Key Points
- Acquiring Company: State Bank of India (SBI)
- Stake Purchased: 10%
- Seller: National Housing Bank (NHB)
- Company: RMBS Development Company Limited (RDCL)
TPG to Acquire Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited
Global investment firm TPG Inc. signed definitive agreements to acquire a 100% stake in Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited (AIFL). The company was previously owned by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) along with other shareholders.
The acquisition reflects increasing foreign investor confidence in India’s infrastructure financing sector.
- Buyer: TPG Inc.
- Target Company: AIFL
- Seller: NIIF and other shareholders
- Stake: 100%
Aviva Plc Takes Full Control of Aviva India
United Kingdom-based Aviva Plc announced that it would acquire the remaining 26% stake in Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited from Dabur Invest Corp.
After completion of the transaction, Aviva India will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Aviva Plc.
Former ISRO Chief S. Somanath Joins Agnikul Cosmos Board | Current Affairs 2026
SBI Raises ₹1,655 Crore Through Pre-IPO Placement
SBI sold a 42% stake in SBI Funds Management Limited through a pre-IPO placement. The transaction generated ₹1,655 crore and is considered an important step before the company’s proposed public listing.
Exam Note: SBI Funds Management is one of India’s leading asset management companies.
Science and Technology
ISRO Successfully Conducts SOLVE Static Test
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed the first static ground test of the Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE).
This mission is designed to test advanced launch vehicle technologies before integrating them into future space missions.
Why it matters
- Supports next-generation launch vehicle development.
- Improves testing capability for future missions.
- Strengthens India’s space technology programme.
Indiahandmade Digital Marketplace
Indiahandmade is a government-supported digital marketplace launched in 2023 under the Digital India Initiative.
The platform promotes authentic handloom and handicraft products while helping traditional artisans connect directly with customers across India.
CCRAS Executive Committee Meeting Held in New Delhi
The fifth Executive Committee meeting of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) was chaired by AYUSH Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha.
The meeting focused on strengthening Ayurvedic research and improving healthcare through evidence-based traditional medicine.
China Launches Haiyang-2E Ocean Satellite
China successfully launched the Haiyang-2E ocean observation satellite using a Long March-4B rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.
The satellite will support ocean monitoring, climate studies and marine forecasting.
POSHAN Abhiyaan
POSHAN Abhiyaan is India’s flagship nutrition mission launched on 8 March 2018. The programme aims to improve nutrition among women and children through technology, community participation and convergence among departments.
Remember
- Launch Date: 8 March 2018
- Focus: Nutrition Improvement
- Target Groups: Women and Children
ICAR Forms Committee for Totapuri Mango Growers
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed ICAR to establish a high-level expert committee to address challenges faced by Totapuri mango farmers in Andhra Pradesh.
The committee will recommend scientific and policy-based solutions for improving production and farmer income.
ISRO Completes CE20 Cryogenic Engine Hot Test
ISRO successfully carried out the Flight Acceptance Hot Test of the CE20 Cryogenic Engine for the upcoming LVM3-M7 mission.
This successful test confirms the engine’s readiness for future heavy-lift launch missions.
IBM Introduces World’s First 0.7 nm Chip Technology
IBM announced the world’s first sub-1 nanometre semiconductor technology measuring approximately 0.7 nanometres.
The breakthrough is expected to improve computing speed, reduce power consumption and support future Artificial Intelligence applications.
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
Launched during 2014-15, the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization promotes modern farm machinery across India under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Its objective is to increase agricultural productivity while reducing labour costs.
India and Australia Sign Traditional Knowledge Agreement
CSIR and IP Australia signed an agreement allowing access to India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL). The agreement helps protect India’s traditional medicinal knowledge from wrongful patent claims.
ISRO Conducts IMAT-05 Test for Gaganyaan
ISRO successfully completed the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test-05 for the Gaganyaan G1 Mission at ADRDE, Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh.
The test validates the parachute system required for the safe return of astronauts.
NASA Astronaut Anil Menon to Visit ISS
NASA astronaut Anil Menon is scheduled to travel to the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft.
The mission reflects continued international cooperation in human space exploration.
India to Upgrade National Bridge Health Monitoring
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways plans to centralise bridge monitoring software with technical support from IIT Madras and C-DAC.
The initiative will improve structural safety and maintenance planning for bridges across India.
DeepSeek
DeepSeek is an Artificial Intelligence startup headquartered in Hangzhou, China. The company has gained attention for developing advanced AI models and large language technologies.
India’s First Smart Algal Liquid Tree
Scientists from CSIR-CIMFR developed India’s first Smart Algal Liquid Tree (SALT), a mobile green technology capable of absorbing carbon dioxide while improving urban air quality.
India Approves Dixon-Vivo Joint Venture
The Government of India approved a joint venture between Dixon Technologies and Vivo Mobile India to strengthen domestic smartphone manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.
China Achieves Reusable Rocket Booster Recovery
China successfully demonstrated the controlled recovery of an orbital-class reusable rocket booster after launching the Long March-10B carrier rocket.
This achievement represents another important step in reusable launch vehicle technology.
Defence News
Indian Navy to Commission INS Mahendragiri
The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, at Visakhapatnam.
The warship significantly enhances India’s maritime defence capability.
India-Rwanda Defence Cooperation Meeting
The second Joint Defence Cooperation Committee Meeting between India and Rwanda was held in New Delhi to strengthen bilateral military cooperation and defence partnerships.
Mount Khyam Tso Expedition Completed
The Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports successfully completed a 22-member expedition to the Mt Khyam Tso Massif in Ladakh.
Adani Defence Invests ₹2,500 Crore
Adani Defence and Aerospace announced an investment of ₹2,500 crore to establish South Asia’s largest private-sector missile manufacturing ecosystem in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.
DRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka LRGR
DRDO successfully carried out the flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket at Chandipur, Odisha.
The successful trial strengthens India’s indigenous long-range precision strike capability.
Indian Army Plans Carl Gustaf M4 Procurement
The Indian Army issued a Request for Proposal for the procurement of 450 Carl Gustaf Mark-IV lightweight recoilless rocket launchers to enhance infantry firepower.
INS Sudarshini Visits Boston
The Indian Naval Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini reached Boston after participating in the Sail4th 250 celebrations in New York, promoting maritime diplomacy and international goodwill.
India-Japan Defence Policy Dialogue
India and Japan held the eighth Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo to strengthen strategic cooperation, regional security and defence partnerships.
Quick Revision
- SBI acquired NHB’s 10% stake in RDCL.
- TPG acquired AIFL.
- Aviva Plc completed ownership of Aviva India.
- ISRO completed SOLVE static test.
- ISRO successfully tested the CE20 Cryogenic Engine.
- IBM introduced 0.7 nm semiconductor technology.
- India approved Dixon-Vivo manufacturing JV.
- DRDO successfully tested Pinaka LRGR.
- INS Mahendragiri is India’s sixth Project 17A stealth frigate.
- India and Japan held the 8th Defence Policy Dialogue.
Coming Up in Part 2: Ranking & Reports, Environment, Sports News, Obituaries and Important Days (8th-14th July 2026).
Weekly Current Affairs 8th to 14th July 2026 (Part 2): Ranking & Reports, Environment, Sports, Obituaries and Important Days
This section covers the latest Ranking & Reports, Environment, Sports News, Obituaries, and Important Days from 8th to 14th July 2026. These current affairs are highly useful for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, Police, Teaching, and State Government competitive examinations.
Ranking and Reports
India Achieves Its Best-Ever Rank in SDG Index 2026
India secured the 94th position among 167 countries in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2026. The country achieved an overall score of 68.3 out of 100, marking its highest ranking since the index was introduced.
The improvement reflects India’s continued progress in poverty reduction, healthcare, education, clean energy, digital governance and sustainable development.
Key Highlights
- Ranking: 94th
- Total Countries: 167
- Overall Score: 68.3/100
- Released By: United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)
MoSPI Releases Report on Index of Services Production (ISP)
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the report prepared by the Technical Advisory Committee on the Index of Services Production (ISP).
The proposed index will provide a better understanding of India’s fast-growing services sector by measuring production trends more accurately.
Why It Matters
- Improves economic data collection.
- Strengthens policy planning.
- Supports GDP estimation.
- Enhances transparency in economic statistics.
Jaipur Enters Global Top 10 Happy City Index
Jaipur, Rajasthan, became the only Indian city to feature among the world’s ten happiest cities by securing the 6th position in the Happy City Index 2026.
The ranking recognizes cities that perform well in governance, sustainability, education, innovation, quality of life and public services.
Summits and Conferences
29th National Conference on e-Governance 2026
The 29th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG 2026) was organised at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur.
The conference was jointly hosted by:
- Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- Government of Rajasthan
The event focused on digital governance, citizen-centric services, Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity and innovation in public administration.
Environment
World’s Oldest Scientifically Dated Banyan Tree Found in Bihar
Scientists identified a historic banyan tree located in Munger district, Bihar, as the world’s oldest accurately dated banyan tree.
Using high-precision radiocarbon dating, researchers estimated the tree to be around 700 years old.
Exam Facts
- Location: Munger, Bihar
- Estimated Age: Around 700 Years
- Dating Technique: High-Precision Radiocarbon Dating
Sports News
Indian Athletes to Wear Jute-Viscose Apparel at Commonwealth Games 2026
Indian athletes and officials will wear eco-friendly jute-viscose blended uniforms during the Commonwealth Games 2026, scheduled in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026.
The initiative promotes sustainable textiles while showcasing India’s traditional natural fibre industry on the global stage.
Sourav Ganguly Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly was inducted into the prestigious International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame.
With this honour, he became the 12th Indian cricketer to receive one of cricket’s highest individual recognitions.
Quick Facts
- Organisation: International Cricket Council (ICC)
- Achievement: ICC Hall of Fame
- Indian Number: 12th Cricketer
Obituaries
Pandavani Singer Teejan Bai Passes Away
Renowned Pandavani artist and Padma awardee Teejan Bai passed away at the age of 70 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
She was internationally recognised for preserving and promoting the traditional storytelling art form of Pandavani.
Bridge Man of India Girish Bharadwaj Dies at 76
Social worker and engineer Girish Bharadwaj, popularly known as the “Bridge Man of India”, passed away at the age of 76.
He was widely respected for constructing hundreds of low-cost bridges that improved rural connectivity across India.
Former Afghanistan Cricketer Shapoor Zadran Passes Away
Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran passed away at the age of 38 in New Delhi.
He played an important role in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket and inspired a new generation of cricketers.
Former US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan Dies
Former Chairman of the United States Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan passed away at the age of 99 in Washington, D.C.
He served as one of the most influential central bankers in modern economic history.
Important Days
World Population Day – 11 July
World Population Day is observed every year on 11 July to spread awareness about population growth, reproductive health, gender equality, family planning and sustainable development.
Objective
- Promote population awareness.
- Encourage family planning.
- Support sustainable development.
- Improve maternal and child health.
World Malala Day – 12 July
World Malala Day is celebrated annually on 12 July to honour Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai for her contribution to girls’ education and women’s empowerment.
The day also highlights every child’s right to quality education across the world.
Quick Revision
- India ranked 94th in the SDG Index 2026.
- India scored 68.3 out of 100 in the SDG rankings.
- Jaipur ranked 6th in the Happy City Index 2026.
- 29th National Conference on e-Governance held in Jaipur.
- World’s oldest scientifically dated banyan tree found in Bihar.
- Indian athletes will wear jute-viscose uniforms at CWG 2026.
- Sourav Ganguly inducted into ICC Hall of Fame.
- Teejan Bai, Girish Bharadwaj, Shapoor Zadran and Alan Greenspan passed away.
- World Population Day observed on 11 July.
- World Malala Day observed on 12 July.